Freeway construction update

July 1, 2010

By Chris Sinicki, 20th District State Representative

The second year of I-94 work is in full swing as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation reconstructs 35 miles of the main freeway and 17 interchanges from the state line north through the Mitchell Interchange. Here are summaries and previews of coming freeway changes for south shore residents.

Layton Avenue

The Layton Avenue bridge over I-94 was demolished mid-February and is being reconstructed. Layton Avenue from 13th to 20th streets, the I-94 West (northbound) exit to Layton Avenue, and the I-94 East (southbound) entrance ramp at Layton Avenue will reopen in fall 2010. The northbound entrance ramp to I-94 and southbound exit ramp to Layton Avenue will remain closed until the Mitchell Interchange is completed in late 2012. During these closures at Layton Avenue, motorists are encouraged to use College or Howard avenues with 27th Street or Howell Avenue.

Eastbound Airport Spur

The eastbound Airport Spur bridge over the freeway was demolished mid-March and is being reconstructed. The I-94 West (northbound) exit to the Airport Spur was closed until late June; motorists should exit at College Avenue, proceed east to Howell Avenue, then north to the airport.

I-94, Main Freeway

Construction is also occurring on the I-94 freeway lanes from College to Layton avenues, and on the I-94/I-43 freeway lanes from 13th Street to Howard Avenue. Motorists may notice they are traveling on the inside lanes of the I-94 main freeway in Milwaukee County, as crews work to build the new collector-distributor lanes and bridges. In late fall, traffic will be shifted to the new outside roadway and crews will swap work areas to reconstruct the inside lanes.

Other Ramps

Motorists will also notice lane closures on the I-894 East system ramp to I-94 West (northbound) as construction crews reconstruct that ramp. Additionally, the I-43/94 northbound exit ramp to Howard Avenue is closed until winter 2010.

More Info

WisDOT encourages you to visit the project website, plan94.org, for the latest information to help you plan ahead. You can also call the project hotline 24/7 at (262) 548-8721.

Chris Sinicki is the state representative for Wisconsin’s 20th state Assembly District, which includes southern Bay View, St. Francis, Cudahy, the airport, and other parts of the south side. Her website is chrissinicki.net and she can be reached at (888) 534-0020 or rep.sinicki@legis.wi.gov.